‘Secret’ Cast Member Discounts

As a Walt Disney World Cast Member you get loads of great discounts, many straight from Disney themselves, but there are also ‘secret’ discounts – stores that offer extra discount for showing your Disney ID and not all of them advertise it. Unless you are in the know you might miss out.

I put a call out to ex-Disney Programs participants for any ‘secret’ discounts they had found. Below is the list I managed to compile, I am sure there are plenty more as well!

Free Lockers in the Parks

Disney don’t really advertise it but as a Cast Member you can get free locker rental in the parks (subject to a few blackout dates) – you pay the $5 key deposit only and as long as you return the key before the end of the day you get this refunded in full. Lockers are first come, first served and can all be taken at busy times of year. This is great if you go to a park before or after work and don’t want to drag a bag around with you, the only pain is having to wait in line to get the deposit refunded at the end of the day.

Thursdays at Chik-Fil-A

The Chik-Fil-A around the corner from Vista offers free stuff to Cast Members on a Thursday. Simply go to the store, buy something and show your ID and you will get extra stuff for free.

Nike Store @ Premium Outlets

10% off your purchase on top of the outlet price at the Nike Store in the Premium Outlets across from the Commons. Just show your ID at the register, they scan an extra barcode and you get your extra discount.

iRide Trolley

25c singles. Just show your ID, drop in a quarter and away you go. Big saving on the normal price of the iRide shuttle, great for a cheap visit to SeaWorld or Universal when you don’t feel like paying for a taxi.

Strollers & Wheelchairs

Free Stroller and Wheelchairs in the Disney Parks (subject to blackout dates), ECVs are excluded. Just show your ID and away you go.

Timberland Store @ Premium Outlets

20% off. Great for those who work in Frontierland, Animal Kingdom or the other areas of the parks where hiking boots are costume.

CiCi’s Pizza

All-you-care-to-eat Pizza Buffet across the road from Vista. Noone has reminded me of the exact discount for Cast Members but it is CHEAP. Great for those Wednesday nights just before payday when Ramen Noodles just don’t look quite appetising enough.

AMC Cinema @ Downtown Disney

$8 movies. You can only buy at the box office in person (not Online or at the machine), show your ID and away you go. Cost’s a bit extra for 3D and special screenings but again a big saving.

IHOP

For all your midnight pancake needs a short taxi ride from housing. I feel like this is a 20% discount with gratuity added automatically but I stand ready to be corrected. Do what I did on Pancake day and order 3 different pancake dishes… I won’t judge.

Blue Man Group @ Universal Studios

Big discounts on tickets at quiet times of year. Ask the question and see what you can get, often a lot better than the discount for Annual Passholders. Sometimes Disney housing have tickets to sell as well at discount rates.

Howl at the Moon

Duelling Piano Bar a taxi ride from housing up International Drive. Free entry for Cast Members.

House of Blues @ Downtown Disney

Car Rental – Hertz / Enterprise

Depending on the season many of the Car Rental companies give discounts for Cast Members. Sometimes Disney will distribute discount codes, otherwise give them a call or show your ID when you go to pick up to see what you can get.

Hotels

Bit like Car Rental, many local hotels give discount depending on the season. Always worth checking when you book. Holiday Inn gives discount across the USA, sometimes there is a code, sometimes you just have to mention it at booking.

Universal Studios

If you can prove you are a Florida resident you will get a discount on an Annual Pass. You need something to prove this, Housing will do you a letter normally if you ask nicely.

Crossroads (TGIs, Sweet Tomatoes)

Crossroads is a strip mall near housing with tonnes of chain restaurants. Being so close to WDW most do a Cast Member discount, ask the question… they can only say no!

Earl of Sandwich @ Downtown Disney

The best Hot Sandwich Shop in the world, no question… lightly toasted Caprese, no vinagrette, thank you very much! Show your ID for 20% off your bill.

Ghirrardelis

For all your ice cream needs. Late evenings sitting by the water, eating a brownie sundae with extra whipped cream are the best. Show your ID for 20% off for either dine-in or take-away.

Shell Garage

For all your Four Loko and tobacco needs. The Shell Garage next to Commons give Cast Member discount, show your ID and save on all your vices.

The moral of the story is… Ask for discount everywhere! You never know.

If you know of any other discounts leave a comment below or drop me a message, I will add it to the list.